* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in...

* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the Daily Pilot on a

rotating basis. For information on adding your organization to this

list, call (949) 574-4298.

Academic Year in America

Costa Mesa families can host a German student and earn up to

$1,000 toward a number of travel abroad programs. Danielle Carpino,

(800) 322-HOST.

American Cancer

Society Discovery Shop

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop needs unwanted goods,

such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, accessories, antiques and

collectibles, to fund the society’s research, education and patient

services programs. The goods may be dropped off at 2600 E. Coast

Highway, Corona del Mar. Volunteers are also needed from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. Monday through Saturday at the same location (949) 640-4777.

American Heart Assn.

The American Heart Assn. is looking for volunteers to perform

various general office duties in the main office and implement

educational and fund-raising events through Orange County. No

experience necessary. Training will be provided. (949) 856-3555.

American Home

Health Hospice Program

The American Home Health Hospice Program needs volunteers to give

emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in

the greater Orange County area. Training is provided. (714) 550-0800

or (800) 540-2545.

American Red Cross,

Orange County chapter

The chapter needs volunteers to address community groups about Red

Cross services and to act as liaisons with the media in disaster and

emergency situations. Lynn Howes, (714) 481-5376.

Animal Network

of Orange County

Become a bottle-feeder or take in pregnant cats at your home. Many

shelters kill pregnant cats upon arrival. Dogs and cats are also

available for adoption.(949) 759-3646 or www.animalnetwork.org.

Assn. Renaissance Creators

The Costa Mesa group sponsors and supports outreach community

service programs, such as the homeless sanctuary. Volunteers are

needed. (714) 540-5803.

Best Buddies

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers, 18 and

older, to provide companionship for adults with developmental

disabilities. As a “Citizen Buddy,� volunteers will visit with a

buddy twice a month and call or e-mail them once a week. The

organization also has an e-Buddies program that forms friendships

entirely over the Internet. Volunteers for that program must be at

least 12. (714) 546-1826 or www.bestbuddies.org.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

The local chapter is looking for men and women older than 20 who

have lived in Orange County for at least six months and have been on

the job for at least three months to serve as big brothers or big

sisters for children ages 6 to 16 from single-parent homes. (714)

544-7773.